Annual Cigarette Sales Increase for the First Time in 20 Years

Since 2000, the US adult smoking rate has been on a steady decline, which is good news for the United States overall health and well-being, due to smoking being associated with a variety of negative health outcomes, including Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary  Disease (COPD).

However, for the first time in 20 years, the FTC has reported that cigarette sales increased in 2020.  In additional, sales of smokeless tobacco also increased.

Reports from groups that offer smoking cessations products and services believe that this increase, and decrease for their services is at least partially due to stress and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It’s important to note that cigarette smoking correlates significantly with cardiovascular disease, including PAD as well as CAD (coronary artery disease).